NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 19, 2021 / Upstream announces a $3.25 million investment led by Ibex Investors, and releases Upstream for Web, their web platform for professional networking, focused on groups and virtual events designed for the desktop.
Developed with the goal of giving professional networking a serious makeover, Upstream is being touted as the next logical step in the development of the Upstream community. Upstream enables professionals from every part of the world to build more impactful relationships, build professional interest-based communities, and meet amazing people along the way.
Founded by Alexander Taub and Michael Schonfeld and headquartered in New York City and Miami, Upstream today emerges from closed beta.
Upstream Redefines Professional Networking
Upstream introduces a higher level of authenticity than is typically found on other professional networks. By attending online events and hosting office hours in a professional capacity, business leaders are able to greatly expand their network without the expense of travel.
Upstream for Web was developed as a natural extension of the existing iOS and Android apps that offer a community platform that already enjoys great success at connecting professionals that might otherwise never have met. Initially, the Upstream community spread via word of mouth to other generous, helping-oriented professionals. People on Upstream came there because they were committed to helping others, in a professional context. Now it has grown beyond just giving and getting help to a full-blown Professional networking platform.
Virtual events reinforce the Upstream ethos and receive a higher-than-normal approval rating, with over 75% of the people who go to their first Upstream event returning for a second. One of the most common phrases heard on an Upstream event is, "How can I help you?" The Upstream communities encourage reciprocity as opposed to an almost-exclusively self-oriented approach.
"Generally speaking, most people don't go to any of the other major career websites to meet people," says Alexander Taub, co-founder and CEO of Upstream. "Career sites don't typically encourage hanging out, helping others make connections, or spending meaningful time together online. We believe there's an untapped potential for companies to better serve the needs of professionals."
Enabling Authentic Connection in a World of Remote Work
One of the most critical issues emerging in today's increasingly remote, globalized workforce is the need for authentic, helpful relationships. On many other career-focused websites, a user profile is not necessarily an accurate representation of who that person really is. Getting behind the profile to the actual person hasn't typically been an area of strength in venues where everyone is self-aware and trying to convey a persona. Upstream allows professionals to get to know the real person, not the image.
The world of work has changed drastically in the past 18 years and especially the last 18 months. The workforce of 2021 can be said to have accelerated 15 years in 15 months, with the so-called "Future of Work" becoming just plain old work. Employees are moving around in a way they never have before, both physically and career-wise. Upstream represents an informed bet that many elements of the way we work in 2021 are here to stay.
Upstream was originally developed around the core principles of professional serendipity and generosity. The founders recognize that they got where they are professionally with the help of others and in no small measure by being in the right place at the right time. Designed with delight, efficiency, and empathy in mind, the Upstream teams hope to enable others to make those "right place, right time" connections easier and more likely.
"Every day, I scroll through the Upstream ask feed and see people getting jobs, raising funding for their start-ups, getting advice, and making meaningful connections. I am lucky to receive emails from people who have had their life changed by a person they met on Upstream."
CONTACT:
General Inquiries
Alexander Taub
[email protected]
646-299-8369
SOURCE: Upstream